Sunday Signal September 6, 2020

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

Magic and Laughter in Valencia Page 6

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S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 3

E L A AY S

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4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWS FEATURES

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5 Tutors in the SCV: Making the most of distance learning 6 Distilling a bit of magic and laughter

HOLIDAY

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8 For your Labor Day BBQ

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

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10 Celebrate the ‘can dos’ in Santa Clarita

FOOD

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11 Give spicy snacks a sweet touch with grapes A refreshing grape salad for outdoor relaxation

THINGS TO DO

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12 A historical tour of the SCV: fun for the whole family

ENTERTAINMENT

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14 Ethan Hawke is great as Nikola Tesla DVD Alert

HOME

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15 Get the renovations you want for your laundry room

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

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16 Vitamin D deficiency following gastric bypass 17 Minimize the appearance and discomfort of rosacea

GARDENING

18 Helping pollinators flourish

SENIOR LIVING

19 Five ways to protect your hearing

KIDS & FAMILY

21 Donna’s Day: Fresh Fruit, Berry Pie Junior Whirl Food Fact

PETS

22 Separating fact from fiction in regard to rabies

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The entire content of the Sunday Signal is copyrighted 2019 by Paladin Multi-Media Group, Inc. All submitted letters and columns are strictly the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. If you would not like this delivered to your home, please call (661) 259-1000.

AAA TRAVELS WITH YOU Travel Protection Made Easy! Ask Your AAA Travel Agent about Cancel-For-Any-Reason coverage for just $99 per person6 CALL: (800) 741-1605 CLICK: AAA.com/EasyToPlan VISIT: Your Local Auto Club Branch *The value listed is per booking and equals the total of the Dream Getaways Offer1, plus the total of the Travel Savings Offer2. 1Dream Getaways Offer: Valid on new bookings made September 1 October 31, 2020 for travel through June 30, 2021. For Hawai’i, Mexico and the Caribbean: $300 in value is total of $150 savings offer per booking and $150 activity voucher per booking. Minimum five nights’ accommodations at a participating hotel and round trip airfare required (excludes Hawai’i inter-island flights). $150 savings is not reflected in rates shown. $150 activity voucher is nonrefundable, nontransferable and has no cash value. Select Caribbean destinations receive $150 savings to Anguilla, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Grand Cayman, Grenada, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Croix, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin and St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos in lieu of activity voucher. For continental USA: Savings is per booking. $100 savings on 5 nights and longer stays, $75 savings on 4 nights stays, $50 savings on 2 – 3 nights stays; and AAA Member Benefit of $25 savings per booking. Minimum two nights’ accommodations at a participating hotel and round trip airfare required. Savings is not reflected in rates shown. 2Travel Savings Offer: Only valid on new bookings with participating AAA preferred travel providers made through your local AAA club, booked on or after July 1, 2020 and under full deposit no later than September 30, 2020 for travel commencing no later than December 31, 2021. Minimum purchase required to qualify for the Offer. Maximum one (1) Offer per booking. The Offer in the form of a check will be provided to lead client/trip payee following trip departure. Bookings of $2,000 – $3,999 qualify to receive $100; bookings of $4,000 – $7,999 qualify to receive $125; bookings of $8,000 – $9,999 qualify to receive $200; bookings of $10,000 – $11,999 qualify to receive $300; bookings of $12,000+ qualify to receive $500. Not valid on Fly/Drive packages.

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AAA Travel Alert: Many travel destinations have implemented COVID-19–related restrictions. Before making travel plans, check to see if hotels, attractions, cruise lines, tour operators, restaurants and local authorities have issued health and safety-related restrictions or entry requirements. The local tourism board is a good resource for updated information. For all offers, unless otherwise indicated: Rates quoted are accurate at time of publication & are per person, based on double occupancy. Gratuities, transfers, excursions and, for non-air-inclusive offers, airfare, taxes, fees & surcharges, are additional.

Advertised rates do not include any applicable daily resort or facility fees payable directly to the hotel at check-out; such fee amounts will be advised at the time of booking. Rates, terms, conditions, availability, itinerary, taxes, fees, surcharges, deposit, payment, cancellation terms/conditions & policies subject to change without notice at any time. Cruise rates capacity-controlled. Advance reservations through AAA Travel required to obtain Member Benefits & savings which may vary based on departure date. Rates may be subject to increase after full payment for increases in government-imposed taxes or fees and, except for air-inclusive offers, for supplier-imposed fees. Blackout dates & other restrictions may apply. As to Air-Inclusive Offers Only: Other restrictions may apply, including, but not limited to, baggage limitations & charges for first & second checked bag, standby policies & fees, nonrefundable airfare/airline tickets, advance purchase requirements & supplier & airline-imposed change/cancellation fees up to & including the price of the fare plus any applicable fare differential (which may involve pre-notification deadlines). Air component of packaged offers may be nonrefundable; refunds are subject to supplier & airline terms & conditions. Supplier & airline fees & policies may vary. Contact your supplier & ticketing airline for more information; for baggage fees & other details, see www. iflybags.com.

Rates involving round trip air transportation for travel dates or from gateways other than those advertised may differ. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Your local AAA club acts as an agent for Pleasant Holidays®. CST 1016202-80. To learn how we collect and use your information, visit the privacy link at AAA.com. ©2020 Auto Club Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

Tutors in the SCV: making the most of distance learning

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

A

s of now, the computer screen is the new classroom.

In a statement made earlier this week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said based on current epidemiological data in communities, more than 90% of students will begin the year with distance learning.

“Schools may be physically closed, but in California at least, class is still in session,” said Newsom. “While more work remains, districts across the state are in a far better position this semester to provide meaningful distance instruction to every child.”

Santa Clarita schools are no different than the other thousands of schools that have shuttered their doors in favor of the distance-learning model amid a pandemic.

Within the last two months, all five public school districts within the Santa Clarita Valley have adopted distance learning as the new norm, at least for now.

And until Los Angeles County is recognized by the state as not having negative trends in regard to COVID-19, distance learning will be here to stay.

While there’s a curriculum in place and the teachers are adapting, families could see challenges in distance learning for their students.

In order to supplement the lack of in-person instruction, a number of parents have turned to private tutors and tutoring services to help fill in the gaps left by distance learning.

“Business is booming because parents are recognizing that kids aren’t making the most out of their education (via distance learning),” said Mary Beth Inchalik, owner of Santa Clarita In-Home Tutoring.

“I would say I’ve probably had 50% more inquiries from families that want an alternative to the large-group remote option.”

However, for some parents, who are unfamiliar with using any educational instructor outside the public school system, knowing when and how to find a tutor may be a daunting experience.

Here are what the local Santa Clarita Valley tutoring experts say about finding a tutor that is right for your child and their education.

Why a tutor?

One of the key components missing in a distance learning environment is the ability for students to have a face-to-face interaction with their teacher on subjects. While they remain reachable via email or other means of communication, it’s not the same for students to ask a question over Zoom.

Whether that is because of the size of the Zoom class, or they’re shy or they feel they get lost in the shuffle, this lack of in-person interaction between

Left: Tutor Marcos Osorio looks on as Bella Leos, 9, spins for stars at Mathnasium of Canyon Country. Right: Instructor-tutor Kate Giannini, center, takes students papers from behind a plastic shield as they complete their math assignments at Mathnasium of Canyon Country. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

teacher-and-pupil has resulted in some kids falling behind.

And this is where the tutor steps in.

“In the last few weeks we’ve had a flood of people coming in and asking what to do,” said Suzanne “Q” Reed, the Mathnasium of Canyon Country center director. “Parents are finding out that they’re (students) are really behind and struggling already.”

Reed said that this “falling behind” is for a handful of reasons, and parents have largely expressed the following concerns to her that she believes she and her tutors are equipped to handle: There is no direct teaching to students; the kids being online for a long amount of time is concerning; and some parents lack the confidence in their student only being at school between 8-11:30 a.m.

Reed said she, as well as other tutors, work to teach kids through ensuring that past concepts are cemented in as foundational blocks, while concurrently teaching the new concepts that they’re learning presently with their teachers.

What makes the problem of having only parents and teachers instructing the students is also that the parents are not professional teachers.

“Parents are struggling to teach it to themselves,” said Reed. “I feel glad that we can take that burden off.”

What to look for in tutor?

Inchalik said that it might be time to start looking for a tutor if you see your child is not only falling behind in terms of their grades, but when they start to show apparent frustration while doing the class work.

“I think kids feel a tremendous amount of anx-

iety and disconnectedness from their jobs as students because every fiber of what they’re used to is not there (while distance learning),” said Inchalik.

“If kids are expressing really negative attitudes toward (the material), then it’s obviously not working for them.”

In terms of what to look for in a tutor and what services to expect or desire, is experience and professionalism first and foremost.

Inchalik has been teaching for 30 years and said that she and other tutors like her have provable credentials that can help them understand where a child is within 15-20 minutes of meeting them.

“They need to know how to teach because there’s a methodology,” said Inchalik. “It’s a skill and it’s a skill that’s learned.

Parents are advised, if they are seeking to supplement their child’s education during distance learning with a tutor, to favor a credentialed teacher or instructor, and not a highschool or college student.

A tutor who is informed and knows what they’re doing, Inchalik said, should come in, give an assessment, and provide objective analysis. Then they should continue to assess, actually teach, and ensure that the student is checking off the common core standards.

Tutors should be able to provide references or proof of credentials. And ensuring the safety of the child should be paramount.

“A lot of these kids are just going with it and they’re falling behind,” said Reed. I would say (to parents) do something about it.”

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S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

N E W S F E AT U R E

Distilling a bit of magic and laughter in Valencia

By Perry Smith Sunday Signal Editor

T

he five friends hadn’t gotten together in months, due to COVID-19, but when they assembled on a recent Saturday, they didn’t miss a beat.

The speed at which they produced belly-splitting laughs among one another was surpassed only by the quickness of their imperceptibly fast hand motions when the deck of cards came out.

Mike Elkan, Robert Lamoureux, Len Reid, Al Rosson and Mark Wilson all enjoyed their respective and varied “day jobs,” whether audiology or animation, or as longtime Signal readers might recognize from his smiling mug shot The Signal prints every week for his Your Home Improvement column, construction — but what’s brought together their bonds of friendship over the years is a shared love and appreciation for magic.

Through decades of practicing the craft, they can boil it down, explain what they do step-by-step and share with each other the beginning, middle and end of the tricks they’ve learned.

“One of the things we talk about a lot,” said Rosson, who started his own animation company, Health Nuts Media, after experience drawing for shows like “Animaniacs” and other major network shows, “is in magic, when you really boil it down, if you watch magic — there are just sort of a handful of things. The basic effects are: You can make something vanish; you can make something appear; you can make something switch places. You can destroy something and re-create it again. ... but almost everything is based on one of those things.”

However, as he’s quick to add, that’s not what makes things appear magical. The “how-to” explanation of a trick will help you understand magic the way an equation might explain a chemical reaction — it still won’t really convey the experience.

“It’s all about, ‘How you dress it up? How do you change it? How do you give it a new presentation?’

And you create that moment, that moment of magic, that sticks with people as an experience.”

Of course, it takes more than an interest of even a passion, as Reid, a longtime magic performer, put it in the terms of the old saying: “How do you get to the Magic Castle?

“Practice. Practice. Practice.”

It starts early

Rosson, who’s well-coiffed beard seems ever-prepared to pair with a magician’s traditionally impeccable three-piece performance attire, said his love of magic grew organically from childhood, an origin story that starts at a well-known spot where Rosson grew up in Maryland called Al’s Magic Shop, when he was 9 or 10 years old.

Much like the group of friends still do with each other, Rosson just hung around Al Cohen’s shop on the weekends and absorbed what he could.

Friends and magicians: from left, Robert Lamoureux, Mark Wilson, Mike Elkan, Len Reid and Al Rosson, listen as Rosson demonstrates “The Majestic Taking Machine” he built for one of his card tricks. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Just like with a group of friends tasked with managing secrets, there’s a period of time through which a trust develops, whereby one can earn admission, so to speak.` “I just wanted to hang out there and learn stuff,” Rosson said, “and they knew that the more I showed up and was really taking an interest — then they start sharing with you and, you know, teaching you tricks and secrets and everything.”

By the time he moved out to California, he’d already known about the Magic Castle, a world-renowned mansion-clubhouse for magicians on Franklin Avenue in Hollywood that “promotes the art of magic, encourages fellowship and maintains the highest ethical standards,” as well as hosting the Academy of the Magical Arts, according to its website.

“And that’s the beauty of what we do,” said Lamoureux, with a hearty laugh, reflecting on a trick Rosson performed earlier in Lamoureux’s office.

(Rosson had me pull a card, which was then placed in an envelope, sealed and held to the face. Rosson created a brief moment of tension by feigning a mistake, which, of course, made it all the more impressive when the card placed in the envelope somehow was heard playing back on a phonograph [pictured] Rosson designed and built by hand.)

Despite Lamoureux having 35 years of practicing magic under his belt, the technical move Rosson used when the card was chosen was one he’d never seen before, leading his fellow magician to believe

he had actually made the mistake Rosson wanted everyone to think he had.

And in that sense, their child-like wonder, amusement and, often, sense of humor, when it comes to magic doesn’t change, whether it’s a group of friends performing card tricks at the table of Black Bear Diner or in Magic Castle’s close-up room with names from the Walk of Fame outside like Drew Carey, Neil Patrick Harris and countless others over the years.

Managing magic

For Wilson, a former general manager of Magic Castle, his earliest memory of magic was probably watching “The Amazing Kreskin” on television as a kid growing up in Liverpool, he says.

While his professional career was on the venue-management side, which includes spots like the Sportsman’s Lodge in Van Nuys, as well as Magic Castle, through his career and personal and professional relationships he’s developed, he’s had opportunities to work at several historic venues and with some pretty well-known acts.

“I ran the Debbie Reynolds Hotel in (Las) Vegas,” Wilson said, referring to the venue on the Strip that was owned by the famous singer, actress and dancer of the same name in the 90s. “And I got to book Kreskin when Debbie’s on vacation. … I made the mistake of inviting all the magicians in Vegas to come see him to fill the room at the time, because he didn’t sell out all the tickets. … So, yeah, Kreskin was not the happiest guy in the world when I filled

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 7

N E W S F E AT U R E

Above: Magician Len Reid and demonstrates a card trick. PHOTO BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

the room full of magicians.”

Kreskin, who still makes public appearances and predictions, practices an act known as “mentalism,” a type of magic that involves “reading” people and situations in order to make predictions.

Minding mentalism

Mentalism is a popular form of magic that also requires a great deal of practice and skill, said Len Reid, a mentalist who joked that boredom was why he initially stumbled into magic. But his journey into mentalism started with intrigue and a fittingly fantastic tale that takes place about 30 years ago.

“And there’s a discipline to it, of course,” Reid said. He had been learning and practicing magic for a while when the magic of mentalism showed up on his doorstep, at the office.

Reid started taking lessons with a friend in 1980, and he practiced, frequently, to the point where the teacher of the class, Jerry Blunt, eventually helped Reid get an audition as an associate at the Magic Castle.

After Reid got to the point where he’d been performing as a magician at the Castle for a while, a man came into his audiology office and the ex-

perience prompted Reid to change everything.

The visitor said he’d heard Reid was into mentalism, which Reid said wasn’t necessarily the case in the moment. However, after the man asked to use his phone to call his dad, who was then able to relay to Reid the name of his front-office assistant, as well describe her blouse, Reid was convinced.

“I said, ‘I’m in,’” Reid recalled. “‘Whatever it is you’re doing here, I’m in.’”

Reid’s “side job” at the Magic Castle would continue for more than 20 years, performing three to four shows seven nights a night, including one week when he performed 34 shows.

Labor of love

Mike Elkan, who still performs only a few times a year, was the first of the group to join the Castle. (That may or may not explain why he seems to have the most wry sense of humor of the bunch — which, among a group of magicians, might be more of a feat than most might realize, I learned.)

“I think to do magic, you need to want to perform — you have to have the bug to perform,” he explains.

“And magic is just a tool, basically. I always say I am a magician because I don’t know how to play the piano. So once you’ve got the performance bug, it’s just how far are you willing to go to learn magic.”

It’s that passion that led Elkan to reinvent his performance entirely after an industrial accident injured his hand about 15 years ago. Despite sharing his friends’ penchant for rapid-fire “patter,” as it’s known by those in the industry, Elkan, who’s also a skilled woodworker, is pretty humble about his magic career. But Lamoureux is quick to mention Elkan has performed internationally, and a check on the Magic Castle’s Hall of Fame website mentions the Award of Merit Elkan’s won, twice.

“When you pass by a room full of people, you see a crowd,” Reid mused, adding to Elkan’s explanation. “We see an audience — (that’s the) difference.”

Close-up camaraderie

Lamoureux remembers his first trick, like most who are first introduced to magic, was what’s called a “self-performing” trick — a penny that became a dime, which first drew him in, when he was about 10 years old.

Lamoureux had long been a fan of the castle, and as an adult, his brother, who was friends with Larry Harmon of Bozo the Clown fame,

Lamoureux was able to get an invitation, and he became hooked. He went home and practiced tricks for hours in front of the television, pre-internet, in the era of “books and tapes,” he pointed out, until he felt ready to try and audition — after about two years of practice.

After eventually moving through the ranks as Associate and Magician at the Magic Castle, Lamoureux ultimately became president, one of a handful who’ve held the title in the nearly 60 years of Magic Castle history.

Before the venue became one of thousands in L.A. closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, Lamrouex occasionally still visits as a guest, although his stage-performing days are now more fond memories, which include entertaining Hollywood luminaries like Tony Curtis, a famed actor who performed with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and Burt Lancaster, but is perhaps best-known in magic circles for the starring role in “Houdini.”

When the friends get together though, all that matters are the good times, fun and fascination that got them started in the first place.

“It’s just constant. We’re just ... we’re children,” Lamoureux jokes, reveling in a past exchange, over the phone Tuesday. “We’re nothing but big kids who love coins and cards.”

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S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

H O L I D AY

L

For your Labor Day BBQ abor Day 2020 is finally here. It may not be what you had envisioned, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t great recipes for making delicious foods for the family.

For more recipes, visit Delish.com.

1 bell pepper, sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced 4 slices provolone

Directions 1. Heat grill to medium. In a large bowl, season beef with Worcestershire and garlic powder.

Roll into ½-pound balls, then place a beer can in the middle to shape into a bowl. Press beef up the sides of the beer can. Gently twist beer can to come out of burger bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Directions 1. Preheat grill to medium heat. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Thread potatoes on skewers and grill until tender and lightly charred, 15 minutes.

3. Drizzle with ranch and garnish with chives.

2. Wrap two slices bacon around the bowl. If stuffing with cheddar and jalapeño, top with cheese and jalapeños. If stuffing with peppers and onions, stuff with peppers and onions and top with a slice of provolone.

3. Grill until burger is cooked, 30 minutes for medium.

4. Serve on buns with lettuce and tomato.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Corn

Beer Can Burgers

Yields: 10

Yields: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients 2 1 1 1 8 4 4 4

lb. ground beef tbsp. Worcestershire sauce tsp. garlic powder beer can kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper slices bacon burger buns slices tomato pieces lettuce

Toppings

2 c. cubed cheddar 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced

Grilled Ranch Potatoes Yields: 8 Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 lb. baby potatoes, halved 1/4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil Juice of 1/2 a lemon 1/2 packet ranch seasoning kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Ranch dressing, for drizzling Chopped fresh chives, for garnish

1/2 c. (1 stick) Butter, softened 1 packet ranch seasoning Freshly ground black pepper 10 ears corn 2 c. shredded Cheddar 6 slices cooked bacon, finely crumbled freshly chopped chives Ranch, for drizzling Directions 1. Heat grill to medium high. In a small bowl, stir together butter and ranch seasoning and season with pepper. Rub ranch butter on corn.

2. Grill until lightly charred, 10 minutes. Top with cheddar and cover grill to melt, 2 minutes.

3. Top with cooked bacon and chives and drizzle with ranch.

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 9

H O L I D AY 24 12 2 1/2

1” pieces pineapple large strawberries, rinsed, dried, and halved c. chocolate chips c. peanuts, chopped

1. Make kebabs: Thread two pieces each banana, pineapple, and strawberry onto skewer. Repeat process to assemble 23 more skewers. Place all on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Sticky Grilled Chicken Yields: 4 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 35minutes

Ingredients 1/2 3 2 2 2 1/2

c. low-sodium soy sauce 1/2 c. balsamic vinegar tbsp. honey cloves garlic, minced green onions, thinly sliced lb. chicken drumsticks Vegetable oil, for grill 2 tbsp. sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth.

3. Drizzle chocolate over fruit kebabs and top with chopped peanuts. Freeze until ready to serve.

Sweet Tea Sangria Yields: 6 servings Prep Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

1 750-ml. bottle white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc 4 c. sweet tea

1/4 c. triple sec 2 c. sliced frozen peaches 2 c. raspberries Fresh mint, for garnish 1. In a pitcher, combine wine, sweet tea, triple sec, frozen peaches and raspberries and stir until combined. Refrigerate until chilled.

2. Serve garnished with mint.

— Recipes courtesy Delish.com

1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and green onions.

Set aside 1/4 cup marinade.

2. Add chicken to a large resealable plastic bag and pour in remaining marinade. Let marinate in the fridge at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

3. When ready to grill, heat grill to high. Oil grates and grill chicken, basting with reserved marinade and turning every 3 to 4 minutes, until charred and cooked through, 24 to 30 minutes total.

4. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Banana Split Kebabs Yields: 24 Prep Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients 2 bananas, cut into 1” pieces

08-09_090620_Sunday_HolidayBBQ.indd 9

9/3/2020 2:45:50 PM

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S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

FROM THE CITY MANAGER

Celebrate the ‘can dos’ in the Santa Clarita Valley

By Ken Striplin City Manager

S

ince March, residents in the Santa Clarita Valley have consistently heard about all the things they CAN’T do, with new restrictions being put in place with each public health order that is made.

While these health and safety protocols are designed to lower the risk of coronavirus transmission, it is important that we keep in mind and focus on everything we CAN do in Santa Clarita.

By celebrating the Can Dos, we can continue to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 while also engaging in healthy activities.

One thing you absolutely CAN do is visit each of the City’s 35 parks. Our parks offer you places to have a picnic, play catch with your

kids, discover new trails or simply get out of the house for some fresh air.

The City is also launching a new City Parks Challenge, in which residents will be rewarded for visiting every park in Santa Clarita.

The Santa Clarita Aquatic Center recently launched a reservation system for families looking to use the recreational pool and waterslide.

Groups of up to 10 people from the same household can sign up and pay for a time slot and reserve their space to enjoy the Aquatic Center.

You can learn more and register at santa-clarita.com/Seasons by searching “Swim” in the Rec1 catalog.

You can also take in all of the amazing art, theatre and culture our City is known for — all online.

Tour virtual art galleries and see paintings, sculptures and more at

SantaClaritaArts.com.

The MAIN theatre continues to produce a wide range of content, including readings of plays, artist discussions, the 10 by 10 Variety Night and the You’re The Best!

Community Talent Show each month.

Scavenger hunts have taken Santa Clarita by storm — and now you can get in on the action!

Check out OldTownNewhall.com to find a scavenger hunt that takes you to various businesses in Newhall and keep your eyes open for Sammy Clarita, who will be hiding throughout the City over the next few months.

While you are solving riddles and searching for Sammy, you can visit shops and restaurants and support the City’s Eat Local and Shop Local campaigns. These two Can Dos help give back to local business owners and stimulate the economy

in Santa Clarita.

You can find more information about all these Santa Clarita Can Dos by visiting our new webpage at santa-clarita.com/CanDos. There you will see more details on the 35 Parks Challenge and all of our Can Do activities.

You will also be able to get more details on new City services, such as curbside assistance at your local Santa Clarita Public Library branch and the Tote 2 Go program at your local community center.

I encourage you and your family to get out and safely celebrate the Can Dos in Santa Clarita.

Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santa-clarita.com. The views expressed in his column are those of the City and do not necessarily reflect those of The Signal.

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S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 1

FOOD

Give Spicy Snacks a Sweet Touch with Grapes

W

hen looking to guide your family toward healthier snacks, success can be as simple as rethinking the ingredients you choose to use, including your favorite produce, such as grapes.

Fresh California grapes, for example, make for an ideal snack because they are tasty, healthy, hydrating and refreshing, but grapes can also be used to make dishes that are satisfying and delicious like these Sweet and Spicy Nachos. Grapes of all colors — red, green and black — are a natural source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols.

Plus, they are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free and contain virtually no sodium.

Find more better-for-you snack ideas at Grapes FromCalifornia.com.

Sweet and Spicy Nachos Recipe courtesy of the California Table Grape Commission Servings: 2

Chipotle Barbecue Sauce 1 2 2 1 3 1/2 2 4 1/4 1/4

tablespoon canned chipotle pepper in adobo sauce tablespoons barbecue sauce tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice teaspoon honey ounces baked tortilla chips (about 28 chips) jalapeno, seeded, stemmed and finely minced (optional) tablespoons finely diced red onion ounces grilled chicken, diced (about 3/4 cup) cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese cup queso Cotija Mexican cheese, crumbled

1/2 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced 1 cup halved California grapes 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro Heat oven to broil.

In food processor or blender, puree chipotle pepper, barbecue sauce, lime juice and honey until smooth.

Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange

tortilla chips in single layer.

Sprinkle chips with jalapeno, if desired; onion; chicken; and Monterey Jack cheese. Drizzle with Chipotle Barbecue Sauce.

Place tray in oven about 6 inches below element; broil 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from oven, sprinkle with Cotija Mexican cheese, avocado, grapes and cilantro. (Family Features)

A Refreshing Grape Salad for Outdoor Relaxation

W

arm weather and a cool, crisp meal is an almost perfect combination for enjoying some time outdoors.

When your dish is as nutritious as it is delicious, the timeless elements of good food and great place create a recipe for relaxation that is hard to top.

Head to the patio for a tasty bite with this Chopped Salad with Grapes and Chickpeas, a quick, refreshing solution for lunch or dinner. This satisfying salad combines an array of appealing textures including crisp, juicy grapes, crunchy cucumbers and tender avocados, and pairs them with a zesty dressing.

While grapes are a versatile ingredient, they also make a perfect snack on their own: healthy, hydrating, tasty and refreshing. Grapes can also be frozen for a cool, frosty treat. Additionally, grapes of all colors - red, green and black - are a natural source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols which contribute to good health. Grapes are naturally fat-free, cholesterol-free, contain virtually no sodium and are an excellent source of vitamin K.

Find snack and meal ideas perfect for enjoying outdoors at GrapesFromCalifornia.com.

Chopped Salad with Grapes and Chickpeas Prep time: 30 minutes Servings: 6

Dressing 2 2 2 1/2 1/2 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/2 6 1 2 3

tablespoons red wine vinegar teaspoons Dijon-style mustard teaspoons lemon juice teaspoon cumin garlic clove, grated or minced cup extra-virgin olive oil teaspoon coarse salt teaspoon freshly ground black pepper small red onion, thinly sliced cups chopped romaine lettuce can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed cups California grapes, halved or quartered Persian (or 1/2 English) cucumbers, sliced lengthwise and thinly sliced

1 1 1/2 1/4 1/4

Fresno chile, seeded and finely chopped large, firm ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and diced teaspoon salt teaspoon freshly ground pepper cup crumbled queso fresco

To make dressing: In jar, combine vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, cumin, garlic, oil, salt and pepper; secure with tightly fitting lid. Shake well and set aside.

Soak onion in cold water 15 minutes; drain. In large bowl, combine onion with romaine, chickpeas, grapes, cucumbers, chile and avocado. Add dressing, salt and pepper; toss gently. Divide between serving dishes and sprinkle with queso fresco.

Nutritional information per serving: 270 calories; 5 g protein; 29 g carbohydrates; 16 g fat (53% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 5 mg cholesterol; 450 mg sodium; 4 g fiber. (Family Features)

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S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

THINGSTODO

A historical tour of the SCV: fun for the whole family

By Caleb Lunetta Signal Staff Writer

W

hether you’re simply visiting the Santa Clarita Valley for a day or two, or you and your family have made it home for the last few decades, one stark thing that stands out about the community is the pride and preservation it takes for certain aspects of its history.

Even a lot of longtime residents aren’t aware the SCV has been a part of California’s “Gold Rush” history, the sheer historic volume of Western films that were shot here and the outlaw legends from the real-life Wild West stories that took place here, some of which have legends that continue today in names and landmarks.

From Oak of the Golden Dream to Mentryville to Vasquez Rocks, there are monuments and preserved areas within the incorporated and unincorporated areas that are still taught to this day due to the impact they’ve had — not only at the time, but also throughout history.

“When you think about it, it’s our history that sets us apart from other places in suburban Los Angeles,” said Leon Worden, vice president Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society. “There aren’t many other places that can say they had the first discovery of gold in California, the first oil operations, one of the deadliest disasters in California history, some of the earliest filmings.

“But we got it,” said Worden.

According to Worden, as well as other notable SCV historians, these are some of the few historical sites Santa Clarita has to offer, and should be somewhere near the top of any family-friendly historical tour.

Oak of the Golden Dream

The Oak of the Golden Dream, located in the

The Oak of the Golden Dream is an important part of the state’s history. PHOTOS BY DAN WATSON / THE SIGNAL

Placerita Canyon Park, is the location of California’s original gold discovery in 1842.

“It’s the history of the first discovery of gold in California,” said Ranger Frank Hoffman, the recreation services supervisor at Placerita Canyon Nature Center. “Certainly for many, many years, people have understood that John Marshall at Sutter’s Home might have been first, but that’s not true.”

The story goes, according to SCVHistory.com — a site curated by local history experts, including Worden and a handful of others — that the cattle-rancher Francisco Lopez discovered the gold after deciding to take a quick rest underneath the tree’s branches.

“After sleeping beneath these boughs, (Lopez) noted bright particles on wild onions he had pulled and found them to be gold,” reads SCV History’s website.

As of July 1, the Placerita Canyon Park hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday. The park is closed Monday and Tuesday.

The Nature Center main building is closed until further notice, but for more information about these hours, the park office can be called at (661) 259-7721.

Assistant Tony Kim, right, moves a light as model Anna Tunhav and ACE of LA photographer Albert Ramos prepare to shoot photos for AYRA swimwear at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in Agua Dulce. In addition to being a beautiful, natural setting you can enjoy, it’s been host to countless film productions.

The park is located at 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall.

St. Francis Dam

Located approximately 10 miles north of the city of Santa Clarita, in the San Francisquito Canyon, is the site of America’s worst civil-engineering disaster in the 20th century: the St. Francis Dam collapse.

“It’s phenomenal,” said Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel, executive director of the Community Hiking Club and a member of the historical society’s board of directors, during a tour for the 91st anniversary of the tragedy. “A lot of people that live in Santa Clarita have no clue that the dam was even there or that the second biggest disaster in California happened here and so many people died. Everybody’s going to know. Not only will it be great for Santa Clarita, it’s going to put us on the map. People across the country are going to know about it.”

A bill to federally recognize the disaster was approved last year, which meant a lot to groups that have been pushing for the memorial.

“When the St. Francis Dam broke in March 1928, and unleashed 13 billion — with a “B” — gallons of water down the canyon, it hit Santa Clara River, turned west and didn’t stop until it reached the ocean and killed nearly 450 people,” said Worden.

The initial wall of water was 180 feet high and raced at high speeds throughout the community, laying waste to anything in its path, such as churches, barns and homes.

At the time there were three schools within the Santa Clarita Valley. Two of the schools — Bee School and San Francisquito school house — were completely destroyed. The school structure that

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 3

THINGSTODO

Left: Community Hiking Club Executive Director Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel points to the remaining piece of the St. Francis Dam as she hiked above the site in March 2015.

Right: Harry Carey’s Adobe Ranch House is one of the many places where Hollywood’s luminaries lived in the Santa Clarita Valley.

survived was the Saugus schoolhouse.

The schools were not in session at the time, given that the collapse happened at night, but the Bee School District lost 13 of its 15 pupils; San Francisquito lost 8 of 13; and still farther south, the Saugus School District lost 10 of 18, according to SCV History.

Little is left of the dam, except for some few rocks and concrete slabs.

However, the site can be visited by typing St. Francis Dam Disaster Site into Google Maps.

The pinpoint on the map that says “St. Francis Dam Disaster Site” is the location of the dam itself.

The site can be accessed by driving on San Francisquito Canyon Road, and driving about a mile past Strator Lane.

Vasquez Rocks

Vasquez Rocks hardly needs any introduction as anyone who has watched a Hollywood movie or TV show in the last fifty years will tell you.

Vasquez Rocks is located in Agua Dulce. It was famously named after the bandit Tiburcio Vasquez, or “The Scourge of California, who used the rock formation as a hideout.

“(The exploits of Vasquez) reached a peak in 1873 when Vasquez and his men raided the town of Tres Pinos, killing three, then ransacked the town of Kingston, tying up its residents,” reads SCV History’s website. “With an $8,000 price on his head, Vasquez was captured May 14, 1874 at the ranch of a friend, the prominent Southland freighter ‘Greek’ George Allen (today Allen’s ranch is the Hollywood Bowl).”

He was hanged five days later, with his last word being “Pronto.”

“You can still go out to Vasquez Rocks and search for Vasquez’ lost treasure, but don’t bring a shovel or you’ll get in trouble,” said Worden.

“But it’s a really cool place and of course you’ll recognize it from film and television.”

“From everything from the “Star Trek” original series, to “Star Trek 4,” all the way to the Flintstones and a lot of things in between,” Worden added.

“It goes way back also to the 1920s and 30s in film.”

Vasquez Rocks is located at 10700 Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce.

Mentryville

Still open to the public for hiking, Mentryville is the famous former

location for Pico No. 4, and it was the first commercially successful oil well in the western United States. 114 years later, the state’s first oil well and the longest-running oil well in the history of the world, would be finally capped.

However, although the well is not pumping any longer, some of the structures that kept the town around it running still are.

Built around the oil well for the families working on Pico No. 4 was a small community. Families lived in redwood cabins, most of which sat far enough apart for their owners to run a few horses and cows. Children tended chickens and calves. Older teens hunted deer and rabbit. Mountain lions, which hunted deer and other livestock, were trapped and sold at market or poisoned, according to SCV History.

In addition to the domiciles and livestock, there was a machine shop, blacksmith and the apparatus needed to operate the drill. Additionally, there were Saturday night dances, a swimming hole, gas-lit tennis courts and croquet fields, horseshoe-tossing and dice tables.

“You can go out there and look

around and see Alex Mentry’s mansion and the Felton school house and all the brush has been cleared nicely at the direction of the (Santa Monica Mountains) Conservancy, ‘’ said Worden.

Other smaller structures are still around, including an old barn.

“It’s a step back in time to the first authentic oil town in California,” said Worden.

For all the historical locations, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a tour guide to give you information about the sites, unlike during normal times.

However, visiting them is important to understanding their history in a holistic way, Worden said.

“It brings it all together to be able to see the physical place,” said Worden.

“It helps bring the story to life when you can have the manifestation of the story, you can see it and you can experience it.”

Mentryville is located at 27201 Pico Canyon Road, No. 1804, Stevenson Ranch.

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S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Ethan Hawke is great as Nikola Tesla in ‘Tesla’

should have been nominated for an Oscar for “First Reformed.”) Hawke disavows the modern notion of Tesla as some kind of turn-of-the-century rock star and plays him as an enigmatic and even tragic figure, who saw a world few if any others could see and was too busy reaching for the heavens to worry about connecting with others on Earth.

It’s a great performance in a strange but beautiful film.

By Richard Roeper Signal Contributing Writer

‘Tesla’

1/2 (out of four) IFC Films presents a film written and directed by Michael Almereyda. Rated PG-13 (for some thematic material and nude images). Running time: 103 minutes.

“I

s nature a gigantic cat? And if so, who strokes its back?”

— Ethan Hawke as Nikola Tesla Oh, that Tesla. What a strange one.

Why is he talking about stroking a gigantic cat’s back? Well, because as a lad he noted a charge of static electricity when he stroked his cat, so as crazy as it sounds, Tesla’s question actually makes sense and is worth considering.

The same could be said of writer-director Michael Almereyda’s anachronistically bold and bizarre and delightfully oddball biopic “Tesla,” which features a 19th-century narrator with a laptop computer, a scene in which Ethan Hawke’s Tesla mimics a Jedi warrior with two lightsabers, a moment in which Thomas Edison scrolls through his smartphone at a pub, and a karaoke number with Tesla delivering a passionate rendition of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.”

As crazy as it all sounds, it actually makes sense and is worth considering.

At the Sundance Film Festival premiere of “Tesla,” Almereyda said, “(This) is not a conventional biopic of a neurotic mathematical inventor. … (It’s) influenced by a lot of literature written on Tesla, but also movies by Derek Jarman, novels by Henry James and certain episodes of ‘Drunk History.’”

Ah, that old formula.

Whereas the disappointingly stodgy “The Current War” told the intertwining stories of three legendary innovators and pioneers with Benedict Cumberbatch as Thomas Edison, Michael Shannon as George Westinghouse and Nicholas Hoult as Nikola Tesla and focused primarily on events through Edison’s POV, “Tesla” shifts the focus to Ethan Hawke’s Tesla, with Kyle MacLachlan as Edison and Jim Gaffigan as Westinghouse.

This is a decidedly more brazen interpretation of historical events, and while it might drive some Telsa devotees and fact-sticklers batty, I found it to be a fantastically creative, fourth-wall-breaking, pop-art waking dream. Tesla was a man of great vision and untold idiosyncrasies — someone who these days would be labeled “on the spectrum,” or perhaps many spectrums. His legend deserves an unconventional telling.

Our narrator for the story is one Anne Morgan (Eve Hewson), daughter of the enormously wealthy and powerful financier J.P. Morgan (Donnie Keshawarz). Anne was hopelessly in love with the almost robotically efficient and outwardly cold Tesla, even

DVD Alert ‘Irresistible’ Political satire, R, 101 m., 2020 Steve Carell gives a finely honed performance as a slick political strategist trying to convince a retired Marine (Chris Cooper) to run for mayor of his small Wisconsin town. Writer-director Jon Stewart has created a timely and entertaining satire with one of the most likable casts of the year. Rating: Three stars.

PHOTOS COURTESY IMDB

though she knew he was incapable of returning her affections. Wearing period-appropriate clothing but apparently floating around in some kind of present-day universe, Anne flips open a MacBook and introduces us to the major characters by noting how many times their names come up in Google searches.

She also pops in from time to time to let us know a scene we’ve just witnessed, e.g., Edison meets with Tesla against the backdrop of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and admits Tesla was right about alternating current vs. direct current, never happened.

Even while indulging in so many flights of fancy, “Tesla” adheres to certain recorded truths and well-established bits of history and personality traits involving the main characters.

MacLachlan does a superb job of capturing Edison’s cunning and intelligence and super-sized ego, as well as his penchant for public relations and branding.

Gaffigan infuses Westinghouse with a slap-youon-the-back gregariousness and a keen sense of self-awareness; he knows he’s not in the same intellectual league as the Edisons and Teslas of the world, but he can recognize genius and he knows how to get things done.

Ethan Hawke works and works and works — he has more than a dozen movie and TV credits in just the last three years, and just this week he’s in not only “Tesla” but also “Cut Throat City” — but the performances are sublime and searing. (He

‘Yes, God, Yes’ Comedy, R, 78 m., 2020 Natalia Dyer (“Stranger Things”) gives a winning performance as a 16-year-old Catholic schoolgirl combating nasty gossip while exploring her sexuality in the early 2000s. Much of the humor is over the top, but there are essential truths ringing throughout. Rating: Three stars.

‘Marriage Story’ Comedy drama, R, 136 m., 2020 The funnier moments of this divorce story are reminiscent of 1970s/1980s Woody Allen, whereas the confrontational scenes are more Ingmar Bergman-esque, giving stars Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson the opportunity to flex their Oscar muscles. Rating: Three stars.

‘The Burnt Orange Heresy’ Thriller, R, 98 m., 2020 This grim but wickedly entertaining bit of business stars Claes Bang, Elizabeth Debicki, Donald Sutherland and Mick Jagger as a rich, conniving art dealer. It’s seasoned with sharp little plot turns before an admittedly ludicrous but dramatically satisfying twiston-top-of-a-twist ending. Rating: Three stars.

Copyright 2020 Chicago Sun Times

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 5

HOME

How to get the laundry room renovations you’ll love

D

oes it seem like your hamper is always full and the washing machine is running constantly? You may not be imagining it. Laundry Butler for You, a wash, dry and fold service, says the average household washes 50 pounds of laundry a week and 6,000 articles of clothing every year. Families with children at home are doing laundry most often, and those with pets may find there is ample laundry to wash as well.

With so much laundry being generated, homeowners may want to consider paying extra attention to the space in the house where their clothing is being cleansed. Laundry room renovations may not top homeowners’ priority lists, but it may be time to give these rooms another look.

Assess your equipment

If your appliances are aging, a laundry room renovation can start with an investment in new appliances. New models have large capacity loads, tend to be energy-efficient and could have innovative features that help fit with your laundry lifestyle.

Purchasing front-loading models also can free up design space, as you can install a counter directly above the units, saving room for other items like drying racks.

Figure out your room needs

A laundry room need not be limited to laundry only. Many homeowners make large laundry rooms catch-all spaces that can serve as utility or mud rooms, pantry overflows, or off-season storage areas. Consider the functions you want the room to serve and include those ideas in your designs.

Add some natural light

If possible, include a window in your laundry room. Natural light can help make the room more enjoyable. It also can help you identify stains on clothes that need to be addressed and make it easier to fold matching items like socks.

Think about a utility sink

Many washing machines drain out directly to waste pipes in the floor or wall, but you also can opt to have them empty into a utility sink. This sink also provides a convenient place to handwash items, clean tools or paintbrushes, or store items that perhaps you do not want to bring into a bathroom or kitchen sink.

Include some flair

This utilitarian space need not be boring or bereft of design elements. Mirror your home’s style in the laundry room, and include wall hangings,

plants, accent items, and even task lighting. Play up certain features with a bold floor tile or brightly colored walls.

Updating laundry rooms can be a great way to make doing laundry more enjoyable and efficient.

(MC)

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1 6 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

To your good health —

Vitamin D deficiency following gastric bypass

By Keith Roach, M.D. Signal Contributing Writer

Dear Dr. Roach I am a 72-year-old woman in fair health. I had strong bones until I had gastric bypass surgery. Within two years, I developed osteoporosis. In 2016 my parathyroid hormone level was found to be elevated. However, it has come down over the past year or two from 97.76 to 68.95 pg/mL. The endocrinologist now has me on 8,000 IU of vitamin D-3 per day. My calcium was 9.3 and ionized calcium was 5.0.

Meanwhile, the rheumatologist treating my osteoporosis has prescribed Reclast infusions once per year. I just received my second one this month.

This summer I broke a toe on my right foot with no known trauma. In October I sustained a stress fracture of my left heel bone, again without any known trauma. I am very wor-

ried about what all this means to my future bone health.

— L.M.J. Answer I suspect you had vitamin D deficiency due to the gastric bypass surgery, which prevents your body from absorbing it efficiently. Without vitamin D, your bones cannot take up calcium as effectively. The parathyroid hormone often will increase in this situation, and this is called “secondary hyperparathyroidism.”

It’s important to note that both

your total and ionized calcium levels are normal. Ionized calcium is the active form — some calcium binds to albumin, a major protein in blood. In secondary hyperparathyroidism, the calcium is never high. A high calcium and high parathyroid level always means primary hyperparathyroidism, which almost always comes from a tumor of the parathyroid gland. Unfortunately, I have seen people whose doctors have confused this point and missed the diagnosis.

With replacement of your vitamin D (at a high-enough dose, you can absorb enough), the PTH level is settling back down to normal, and it would be expected that your bone strength would start going up as well.

I would expect your endocrinologist or rheumatologist to follow your bone density through a DEXA scan.

The Reclast (zoledronic acid) is an intravenous bisphosphonate, and it slows down reabsorption of your bone. Between the higher vitamin D and the Reclast, your bones should get better and your risk of fracture will decrease, but it will take time.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual questions, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med. cornell.edu. © 2020 North America Synd., Inc. All Rights Reserved

WELCOME HOME LILY!

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 1 7

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y

Minimize the appearance and discomfort of rosacea

S

kin is the largest organ in the human body. As a result, when skin is compromised, the results can be painful and noticeable.

Rosacea is a common skin condition that affects a large number of people. The American Academy of Dermatology says rosacea begins with a tendency to blush or flush more easily than other people.

Rosacea may first appear on the nose and cheeks or the forehead and chin before spreading to other areas like the ears, chest and back.

If simple blushing were the only symptom, people may be content to let rosacea go unaddressed. However, the AADA says rosacea has four subtypes that can cause more pronounced symptoms: Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea This causes redness, flushing and visible blood vessels.

Papulopustular rosacea Redness, swelling and acne-like breakouts are

tibiotics may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and reduce bumps and pustules.

Patients also are advised to take some self-care steps to reduce flareups. These include some easy techniques:

hallmarks of this type of rosacea.

Phymatous rosacea When this occurs, skin thickens and has a bumpy texture.

Ocular rosacea Ocular rosacea affects the eyes, which can become red and irritated.

Eyelids may swell, and a person may have what looks like a sty. Treat-

ments for rosacea vary depending on the type a patient has and its severity.

The Mayo Clinic says treatment often involves a combination of skin care strategies and prescription medications.

For example, the drug Brimonidine may be prescribed to constrict blood vessels and reduce redness. Oral an-

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, as UV rays can exacerbate flare-ups.

• Use gentle products on the skin and avoid rubbing or touching the face too much.

• Keep a log of what triggers redness and avoid those triggers. Specific foods, alcohol and certain cosmetics and other skin products may be triggers.

• Use makeup to reduce the signs of redness. Green-tinted foundations and powders can offset red undertones.

• Some people have found alternative treatments like gentle facial massage can reduce swelling and inflammation. (MC)

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S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

GARDENING

How to help pollinators flourish for you and others

Y

ou may already be aware that pollinators are important to everyone on the planet. But did you know that one in every three bites of food is made possible by native pollinators?

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, flies, bats and hummingbirds transfer pollen between flowers and other plants, helping them grow and produce the fruit and vegetables we all eat — and that our beloved pets eat.

Because pollinators help grow the plants used to make Beyond, a sustainability-minded natural pet food, the team has collaborated with The Nature Conservancy to initiate Project Blossom.It’s mission is to help protect the declining population of pollinators. Purina’s Beyond has donated $100,000 to The Nature Conservancy to help support a healthy planet, to protect pollinators.

“The Nature Conservancy works around the globe to protect pollinators from challenges such as the loss and

degradation of habitat, climate change and more,” said Chris Helzer, director of science for the Nature Conservancy in Nebraska. “By partnering with Beyond and being a part of Project Blossom, we are advancing our work to support a healthy planet for pollinators and all the other species we rely on for a healthy ecosystem.”

How you can help

Here are some fun, easy and educational projects you can enjoy with the whole family, especially while you’re spending more time at home.

Learn Kids find pollinators fascinating, and there’s a lot to learn about what they do for our ecosystem.

• Visit The Nature Conservancy website as a starting point to discover more about how pollinators work.

• Check out other websites, books or local outdoor gardens to explore native plants and pollinators that live in your area.

• Make a list, map and/or photo

project to describe what kinds of pollinators help which plants grow in your region.

• Seek out resources to learn more about different types of pollinators and the threats they face. For example, when most people talk about bees, they assume honeybee, but there are more than 5,000 species of bees found in North America alone that need our support.

Plant Once you’ve identified regional plants, flowers and shrubs that pollinators love, decide which ones to add to your outdoor space.

• Involve the whole family in growing a variety of pollinator-friendly plants.

• Avoid using pesticides in your yard and learn which ones are least likely to affect bees and pollinators.

• If you have limited outdoor space, use a small raised garden bed or a planter on your deck, balcony or patio.

• Set up a pollinator window box.

Make Collect supplies, like pieces of wood, and involve your kids in making a small project to help sustain pollinator communities in your own backyard.

• Build a bee house, bat house or insect house to attract pollinators and give them shelter.

• Create a fresh water feature like a pond or bird bath that pollinators can use for drinking.

Donate Make a monetary contribution to the cause.

• Make a donation to The Nature Conservancy, which helps conserve and protect land and water around the world.

• Consider encouraging donations from friends and family.

Visit BeyondPetFood.com/Project Blossom to learn more about what you can do to help your neighborhood be a friendlier place for much-needed pollinators. (BPT)

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SENIORLIVING

Five ways to protect hearing

We’re here today. to help you HEAR today.

T

he saying “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” is never more true than in regard to hearing.

It’s easy to take hearing for granted, but even momentary hearing loss can highlight how vital it is to protect hearing.

People rely on headphones or ear buds to listen to music, stream movies or participate in work-related meetings more than ever before. Having the volume too loud can contribute to hearing loss over time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says five in 10 young people listen to their music or other audio too loudly.

Overall, 48 million people in the United States have trouble hearing in one or both of their ears. Johns Hopkins Medical Center reports approximately 15% of adults 18 years of age or older report some trouble hearing, and the risk of hearing problems increases with age.

Once it’s gone, hearing cannot be restored in many cases. To protect hearing and guard against future hearing loss, consider these recommendations.

Ask for a baseline hearing test

It’s easier to measure hearing loss if there is a baseline by which it can be measured. During your annual physical, ask for a hearing test or a referal to an audiologist. This can set the course for monitoring progression of any future hearing loss.

Wear hearing protection

There are various types of hearing protection that can filter out certain levels of sound. Many ear-

plugs, like the ones musicians wear or those worn when attending rock concerts, can reduce the sound by approximately 25 dB. Custom fit ear plugs provide more noise reduction, in upwards of 35 to 40 dB. They are optimal for high-noise environments, such as when mowing lawns or operating machinery, according to the hearing loss resource Hearts for Hearing.

Turn down the volume

Experts recommend adhering to the 60/60 rule when enjoying audio through headphones. This suggestion is to listen with the headphones at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes a day. Earbuds fit directly next to the eardrum and can be harmful to your hearing. If possible, choose over-the-ear headphones instead.

Have custom molds made

Rather than turning up the volume, people can have custom ear molds made for use with earphones, suggests Johns Hopkins. The custom ear molds will block outside noise, allowing for higher quality listening.

Keep your ears dry

Moisture in the ear can cause bacteria to grow and potentially lead to infections. Towel-dry ears gently after showering or swimming. Avoid the temptation to use cotton swabs to dry the ears. For the most part, ears are self-cleaning, and using a cotton swab can push wax and cause it to become compacted in the ear canal.

In addition to these tips, discussing hearing health with a doctor is a wise idea. (MC)

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S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 1

K I D S & FA M I LY

Donna’s Day: Creative Family Fun

Fresh Fruit, Berry Pie is a late summer treat 1/4 cup sugar 1 egg yolk 1 cup all-purpose flour pinch of salt

L

ooking upward on a morning run, I was caught off guard when I spotted branches of leaves that were green, turning to yellow and orange.

“Whoa,” I said between breaths, “not yet!”

Knowing full well I can’t change the march of seasons, I decided to intentionally savor remaining summertime pleasures, including berries and tree-ripened peaches, nectarines and plums. My friend Kay Miller’s fabulous summer go-to Fruit and Berry Pie recipe that mingles the sweet flavors came to mind.

Kids can be part of the prep. While your school-age child washes the berries and peels the juicy peaches, a younger sibling can press the simple cookielike crust into a pan. And there’s a lemon or two to juice and zest.

Serve the sun-kissed flavors to rave reviews Labor Day weekend at a family barbecue. The refreshing dessert

For the filling: 1/3 3 1 1/2 1/4 1 2

cup sugar tablespoons cornstarch cups orange juice (pulp free) cup fresh lemon juice tablespoon grated lemon zest cups firm, ripe peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced 2 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered 1 cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries Whipped cream, for serving

Kids will love being a part of the preparation of this fresh fruit and berry pie.

will taste like summer is here to stay — even if a few leaves are turning to trick us.

Fresh Fruit and Berry Pie For the crust:

1/4 cup soft unsalted butter

1. Heat oven to 400 F. Grease the sides and base of a 9-inch metal pie pan.

2. To make the crust, mix together the butter, sugar and egg yolk in a mixing bowl. Add the flour and stir until it holds together. Pat it down evenly with your hands in the bottom and partially up the sides of the pie pan. Bake 7-8 minutes, until lightly browned around

edges. Set aside and cool.

3. To make the filling, combine the sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Slowly add orange juice and mix thoroughly. An adult should turn the stovetop to medium-low heat and stir occasionally until the mixture begins to thicken (about 4-5 minutes) and comes to a boil.

Watch carefully. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from burner, add the lemon juice and zest and stir. Let cool.

4. Stir in the fruit and berries, and then spoon the mixture into the pie crust.

5. Chill to set for at least 3 hours before serving. Makes 8 servings.

To serve Run a knife around the edge of the pan. Serve cold, topped with whipped cream.

Note Substitute fruit with nectarines, kiwi or unpeeled plums.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning series “Donna’s Day” is airing on public television nationwide. To find more of her creative family recipes and activities, visit www.donnasday.com and link to the NEW Donna’s Day Facebook fan page. Her latest book is “Donna Erickson’s Fabulous Funstuff for Families.” © 2020 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.

THE WORD “PIZZA” MEANS THIS IN ITALIAN. Answer: Pie

By Donna Erickson Signal Contributing Editor

2 2 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

PETS

Separating fact from fiction in regard to rabies

P

et owners are introduced to rabies when their veterinarians discuss the need for rabies vaccinations for their pets. But even after having their pets vaccinated, rabies may remain a mystery, especially in regard to which animals are known vectors.

Learning to distinguish rabies facts from fiction can keep pets and their families safe.

Rabies is one of the most deadly infections known to man. Thankfully, it is entirely preventable.

Rabies has been recognized since 2000 B.C. and contributes to approximately 59,000 deaths per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of those deaths occur in Africa and Asia.

It is important to note that, in the United States, canine rabies has been nearly eradicated. So someone who acquires rabies in the United States likely did so through contact with a wild animal.

Dogs also can contract rabies from wild animals if they are not up-todate on their rabies vaccines.

Another myth surrounding rabies concerns its transmission.

While rabies can be contracted through a bite, that is not the only way it’s transmitted. The virus can be transmitted when saliva enters any open wound or mucus membrane.

Licks or scratches from rabid animals also can transmit the virus, advises the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers.

Very rarely rabies can be contracted by exposure to an infected animal’s brain tissue, as rabies is a neurological disease.

Although rabies cannot be transmitted by simply petting an infected animal, it is best to play it safe and avoid all physical contact with any wild animals, particularly those that seem unwell.

Contact animal control officers if you suspect an animal may be rabid.

Various wild animals can spread rabies. Such animals include raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats.

A bite from a bat may not be obvious, so anyone who wakes up in a room with a bat or finds a bat with an unattended child should seek immediate medical attention as a precaution.

While many people believe opossums carry rabies, it is unlikely that they will, according to Terminix. It is believed their low body temperature and strong immune system makes an inhospitable habitat for rabies.

Hissing is a defense mechanism in

D

og owners often find that having a fenced-in space gives pets an opportunity to run around off-leash and enjoy time outdoors and can make it easier for pets to go out on bathroom breaks.

Still, pet owners must recognize that inquisitive dogs can get into trouble even in seemingly safe yards.

One potential danger is ingestion of potentially toxic mushrooms.

It is essential for homeowners to check their yards for mushrooms all

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opossums, not a sign of a rabid animal.

Signs of rabies in animals can include aggression, lack of balance, lethargy, paralysis, excessive salivation, and other abnormal behavior.

Just because a nocturnal animal is seen during the day does not necessarily mean it is rabid.

But extreme caution should be exercised in such instances.

If a person becomes infected with rabies, he or she should treat this as a medical emergency, says Total Veterinary Care.

Immediately wash the wound with soap and warm water for about 15 minutes and then seek medical attention.

A series of vaccines called post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, can reduce the risk of contracting the virus and lessen the effects of any symptoms. Without treatment, rabies is nearly always fatal. (MC)

year long, but especially during wet springs and in the fall. Mushrooms can pop up overnight.

Depending on the type of mushroom and the size of the dog, ingesting even a small amount can result in gastrointestinal distress or more dire circumstances, like liver failure.

Certain mushrooms give off a fishy smell and they may entice dogs who are prone to indiscriminate eating.

According to the animal care resource Preventative Vet, signs of mushroom toxicity include vomiting, salivating, yellowing of the skin and “whites of eyes,” coma, seizures and loss of balance. Other dogs may experience diarrhea or refuse to eat.

Any pet owner who has suspected a dog has eaten wild mushrooms should consult a veterinarian. Early treatment can help and prevent more serious organ damage or death.

Pet owners who cannot trust their dogs unattended in the yard should bring their pups out on leashes or keep careful watch on them while they’re outdoors. (MC)

BRAINGAMES

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

S U N D AYS I G N A L · 2 3

Relax Give your mind a workout with these brainy exercises!

CryptoQuip This is a simple substitution cipher in which each letter used stands for another.

If you think that X equals O, it will equal O throughout the puzzle.

The solution is accomplished by trial and error.

Clue: Q equals E

2 4 · S U N D AYS I G N A L

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

CROSSWORD TIME

ANSWERS

S E P T E M B E R 6, 2020

Opinion

S U N D AY S I G N A L · 2 5

Unless otherwise stated, the views and opinions expressed are those of the respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The Signal.

READERLETTERS

Defending Against Big Data What do you think of big data? Do you trust it? Mistrust it? How about big government? Listen up. Introduced into both chambers of Congress have been identical bills to “prohibit biometric surveillance by the federal government without explicit statutory authorization and to withhold certain federal public safety grants from state and local governments that engage in biometric surveillance.” HR7356 is the House initiative. S4084 is the Senate version.

As of now, there are 16 cosponsors supporting the House bill.

You may want to consider your long-term interests (and that of your family, friends and neighbors) in your decision to support or to decline to support this legislation.

It is a very controversial topic, hotly debated among the developers and practitioners who design and use these automata, as well as titans of industry and politicians. A number of dystopian futures have been imagined that shed a fair amount of distrust upon government that – while not specifically intruding – gathers inferential data that can make all forms of control more efficiently administered.

We are all interested in efficient governing. From that perspective, the upsides to the use of technology supports utopian visions that would arise from the positive attributes of such technology.

Human habit is to find a loss about 10 to 100 times as dissatisfying as a comparative gain. Thus, all potential risks of misuse by government would need to be 100 to 1,000 times less likely in order to have long-term amenable acceptance. If you believe government has the capability to administer a system that has a 100:1 or 1,000:1 ratio of benefit to hazard, you could rationally support this bill.

If you believe government cannot or will not be able to assure those ratios of benefit to hazard, it might be worthwhile to consider sending an email or calling your senators and congressional representatives to urge their support for the passage of the legislation.

At the same time, there is a bill, HR 6172, stagnating in the House.

It attempts to scale back surveillance, to throttle the incursions of enforcement into the privacy of U.S. citizens in their communications (warrantless monitoring of phones, internet, media, etc.).

Astonishingly, the ACLU has garnered support from conservatives.

Here’s a quick summary: The ACLU opinion in support of the Lee Amendment to HR6172 (Mike Lee, R-Utah) sides with conservatives in citing errors and omissions that occurred during investigations (surveillance) of Carter Page, a campaign advisor to the Republican Party during the 2016 presidential election. Lee’s amendment calls for greater oversight of said investigations.

According to “Conservapedia,” the ACLU is a “leftist, secular-progressive organization…” that “pursues a leftist agenda that includes censoring prayer and recognition of God in public institutions, such as public schools.” Yet when we ALL face a common threat, we set aside rhetoric to act in common to counter it. We have a rare moment: Conservatives and the ACLU are on the same side of an issue.

“May you live in interesting times.”

Christopher Lucero Saugus Submit a Letter to the Editor

Include name, address & phone; Anonymous letters are not printed; Email: letters@signalscv.com.

E T H I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

The Rewards of Virtue

By David Hegg

A

few years ago I was reading an article that presented four important elements in the transition from childhood to adulthood as they related to the chances of ending up in poverty. The elements were: Education, Career, Marriage and Children.

Those who finished their education, and started their career, and then got married and had children, had the highest percentage chance of being prosperous. For each element that was out of order, there was a 25% chance of ending up poverty-stricken.

Those who did it backwards – had children before marriage, and got into a job before finishing their education – faced the greatest risk of poverty.

And all other things being equal, it seems to make sense. It is easier to finish your education if you’re not already supporting a family, and it is certainly easier to marry and support a family if you’ve finished college and entered your career track. Doing things out of order creates greater stress and seems to increase the risk that education, or career, and certainly relationships will suffer greatly.

Several years ago, I watched my son walk back down the aisle with his bride, ready to start their life together as a married couple.

I considered that the world they were going to face today is much different than the one I faced almost 45 years ago on my wedding day. But, if the statistics and studies are correct, he and his wife have at least begun the race in the right way, and are on their way to a satisfying future. And I have the whole area of virtue to thank for that.

My son did things the right way. He buckled down and finished college before marriage, and started the long road of his chosen career. He and his fiancé also determined that they would not have a sexual relationship until they were married, meaning that they would have all four of the crucial elements in the right order: education, career, marriage, children.

And while many reading this will now start huffing and puffing about our puritanical ethic, I am very proud of my son, and his

wife, and believe that their decision to live according to God’s standards will prove to be of great value to them. Today, they are both contributing to society in a good way, secure in honorable and profitable careers. And it all comes down to a personal commitment to virtue, to an ethical standard that asks the best from us rather than allows us to feel good about actions and attitudes that are, ultimately, harmful.

If the article is right, and these four elements are apt predictors of success in life, then it is fair to ask why everyone doesn’t do them in the right order. And the answer, of course, is that too many in our society have bought into the myth of immediate gratification. They equate freedom with lack of self-restraint, and believe that life is to be lived without accountability, even to self. They want to do what feels best in the moment, and anyone who would dare challenge their thinking is made out to be the enemy. So they live for the moment, making choices that will leave them with great regret later on, and make getting back on track extremely difficult.

It certainly is time for more of our youth to look further down the road. To understand that college is more than classroom learning, and a career is more than a $16-an-hour job. To realize that God knew what He was doing when He created marriage, and that children are best raised in a home where Dad and Mom love each other.

It’s time that we as a society start understanding that premarital sex is really just the way you prove that you’re the kind of person who will sleep with someone you’re not married to, and certainly a lifestyle that you’ll eventually come to regret deeply.

Maybe it's time we went old school and dug around in the attics of our lives to find those virtues, those standards that seem to have been the foundation of great lives down through history.

Maybe, just maybe, we’ll come to find that virtue certainly has its rewards.

Local resident David Hegg is senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church. “Ethically Speaking” appears Sundays.

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